Weekly discussion groups are one of the cornerstones of the Fellows Program. Over the course of eight weeks, each Fellow will lead a weekly 90-minute discussion with students on a current political topic. No required readings. No papers. Just lively discussions open to the entire university community. Discussion groups will take place in the GU Politics Living Room – Healy Hall G-18.

The Fellows bring their unique perspective. All we ask is that you bring yours!

Discussion Groups for Spring 2026 begin the week of February 9. To receive information about Spring 2026 discussion groups, please fill out this form.

If you’d like to add Discussion Groups and other GU Politics activities to your calendar, please click here.


Mehdi Hasan Anchor

Mehdi Hasan

Founder, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, Zeteo Media; former Host, MNSBC

Discussion Group Topic: Who’s Afraid of a Tough Question? Debate, Division, and Democracy in a Polarized Age

Visiting Fellow — discussion group times to be announced

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Stephen Martinko Anchor

Stephen Martinko

Global Head of Product Public Policy, TikTok

Discussion Group Topic: The Politics of Digital Innovation: Navigating Disruptive Technologies

Thursdays, 4-5:30 PM

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Julia Nesheiwat (MA’08) Anchor

Julia Nesheiwat (MA’08)

10th White House Homeland Security Advisor (1st Trump Administration); Distinguished Fellow and Board Member, Atlantic Council

Discussion Group Topic: National Security in an America First World: From AI to the Arctic

Visiting Fellow — discussion group times to be announced

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Monica Popp Anchor

Monica Popp

Former Chief of Staff, Senator John Cornyn (R-TX); Co-President, Marshall & Popp

Discussion Group Topic: How Policy Issues Such as Health Care Become Larger Political Movements

Wednesdays, 4-5:30 PM

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Jon Tester Anchor

Jon Tester

Former U.S. Senator (D-MT)

Discussion Group Topic: American Democracy at 250: Is It Still Working?

Tuesdays, 4-5:30 PM

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Richard Walters Anchor

Richard Walters

Former RNC Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor; Executive Director, Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee

Discussion Group Topic: Parties, Power, and Polarization: What to Expect in the Midterm Elections

Mondays, 4-5:30 PM

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